A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation suggests that a chemical compound found in spicy curries could prevent the risk of developing bowel cancer.

Capsaicin, which gives chilli peppers their heat, was given to mice by scientists. It triggered a pain receptor in cells in the lining of the intestines which resulted in a reaction reducing the likelihood of developing colorectal tumours. It was found to extend the life of the subject mice by up to 30%.

Indian food has long been recognised as one of the UK’s favourite meals, either home-made, take away or at a restaurant. However, here are some facts that you may not be aware of:

1.The word “curry” is rarely used to describe a dish in India. The huge diversity of dishes are often known by their ingredients and/or locale

2.The twenty-eight different regions of India all have contrasting ways of cooking and use different ingredients. In the north of the country, for example, there is a tendency to produce less spicy dishes, incorporating red and green chillies and yoghurt. In the south fish dishes are more often seen and mustard is a common ingredient.

A group of scientific researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology in Jodhpur have examined the ingredients of some 2,500 Indian recipes to try and establish what makes them taste so different to Western dishes. The answer lies in the fact that Indian dishes have much less sharing of flavours when compared to Western meals.

To take a simple example, a typical English dish of roast beef will often be paired with a pint of bitter beer. This combination provides a distinct, unified taste with the flavours overlapping.

Sacrilege! For many the only possible liquid accompaniment for a hot, spicy curry is lager. There is no reason why this should be the case, however. The spices in most curries, such as red and green chillies, ginger, cumin, turmeric and garam masala, are all compatible with a good wine.

Fiona Beckett is a multi-award winning food and wine writer, Guardian columnist and author of 23 books on food, wine and beer. Whilst she agrees that lager may be the perfect companion for a fiercely hot curry, she argues that the subtler kind of dish deserves a good wine.

We are constantly being told that we should eat more vegetables in our daily diet. But what if we enjoy a tasty Indian meal? Can the two be combined? The answer is – of course!

A large proportion of the Indian population are vegetarians and they have long known about the healthy properties of vegetables. Indeed, India is reported to be the second largest fruit and vegetable producing country in the world. India is the largest producer of bananas, limes, mangos and papayas as well as the largest grape producer per unit of land area.

Well 2014 has been a fantastic year for our Events at Baburchi, Gloucester. We have held several fantastic evenings with great food and fantastic entertainment ... and every night has been a complete sell out!

So with that in mind, we'd like to let you know about our next entertainment event on 24th February 2015 ... you'll need to hurry and book to avoid disappointment!

Join us for a delicious Indian meal followed by our resident Entertainer, the one and only Marshall King. The theme in this show is Elvis where Marshall will be amazing you with his vocal impression of Elvis ... you have to see it to believe it!! There's a great night in store for everyone! You can take a quick taster here ... watch the video!

One more thing ... if you book and pay before the end of January 2015, you'll get £5 off per person!

Well, Wednesday 10th December is SOLD OUT! But don't panic, there are just a few places left for Tuesday the 9th December for the return of Marshall King and his opus Legends Christmas Party Night at Baburchi in Gloucester.

If you book before 1st December you’ll get £5 off the £29 per person ticket price which includes a delicious three course Indian meal and an evening of superb entertainment.

Sit back and enjoy tributes to the greats such as Roy Orbison, Freddie Mercury, Neil Diamond, Elvis and many, many more, all in the lovely restaurant at Baburchi.

India bristles with a mind-boggling mix of landscapes and cultural traditions. If you ever get the opportunity to journey through this intoxicating country it will make a huge imprint in your memory long after you've left its shores.

From the soaring snow-dusted mountains to the steamy sun-washed beaches, India's dramatic terrain is breathtaking. Along with an abundance of natural beauty spots, exquisitely carved temples and crumbling old fortresses, India has it all. Aficionados of the great outdoors can search for big jungle cats on wildlife safaris, paddle in the shimmering waters of one of many beautiful beaches and don't forget the imposing Himalayas!

Join us for an amazing party night! For just £25 per person and you'll enjoy delicious Indian cuisine and fabulous entertainment by the legendary Marshall King. Some of you may have already seen him at Baburchi in Gloucester as Elvis .. now's your chance to see him paying tribute to such greats as Roy Orbison, Neil Diamond, Freddie Mercury, Elvis & more! A great night guaranteed!!

There will be a choice choice of 3 menu options plus a vegetarian option and all this for just £25 per person.

At Baburchi in Gloucester you will discover a range of delicious Indian cuisine, but do you know your spices? What gives this culinary delight the aromatic fragrances and individual tastes?

The most important and frequently used spices and flavourings in Indian cuisine are whole or powdered chilli pepper (mirch) (introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century), black mustard seed (sarso), cardamom (elaichi), cumin (jeera), turmeric (haldi), asafoetida (hing), ginger (adrak), coriander (dhania), and garlic (lehsun).

Indian cuisine is so popular that many Hollywood and western television shows have references to it, showing it as part of their popular culture.

No longer is curry made fun of as food that will give one a bad tummy. Instead, top food shows have had references to Indian dishes, what with a breakfast staple like upma winning votes at the finale of one of them or a deconstructed paneer gravy making people go wow in another.